Utterly rough at the edges, Kauffman's broken-down, no-frills soul wades into the muddy delta of longing. It's simultaneously quick on its feet, leading one minute with hand claps, the next with an old washboard. Kauffman serves his funk with a buffet of styles. Which, conveniently enough, is paired with the buffet offered by Millie's before the show Sunday, May 28, at 9:30 p.m. Seth Kauffman and the Real Mothers take the stage at 10:30 p.m. $5. 643-5512.
Vaz at Nanci Raygun
Furthering the argument that you can get away with some heavy rock with only two people at the wheel, Vaz came out of the wreckage of the Midwestern noise rock scene of the mid-'90s. Back then the duo was part of Hammerhead, but as a pair, they get away with an impressive wall of sound, while some rather acrobatic vocals there's even, no kidding, a little touch of Robert Smith if you really listen keep things tumbling in one direction. Vaz plays with Hex Machine and La Mere Vipere Wednesday, May 24, at 10 p.m. $6. 353-4263.
Aircraft at Café Diem
On the other end of the sound spectrum, a five-piece can generate some very well-controlled, almost delicate pop. Aircraft, despite the name, is not so much sonic assault as a work of engineering of harmonizing, bouncy guitars and pacing that keeps the whole thing aloft. Aircraft plays Saturday, May 27, at 9 p.m. Free. 353-2500.
Kindred the Family Soul at Fridays at Sunset
The summer music serieseses are upon us in force now that Fridays at Sunset has opened its gates over on Kanawha Plaza. Turning the lights down on downtown is the soul duo of Kindred the Family Soul so smooth even the Federal Reserve Building will look sexy. The music starts Friday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. $20. Call (800) 594-TIXX or visit www.fridaysatsunset.com.
Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation.
We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people. We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions.